FAQs – Whale Watching Holidays, The Azores

Where exactly are the Azores? + Weather

They are a mid-atlantic archipelago of nine islands between Europe and America. It is a two-hour flight from London to Lisbon and 2 1/2 hours flight to the islands. They are part of Portugal. Average monthly temperatures are given below for the Azores (Horta/Pico).

Who goes on the trips?

People of all ages and backgrounds who share a passion for dolphins, adventure and new experiences. We offer both tailor-made packages which include trips to sea with add-on island tours to your own requirements. We also offer small group tours. These are active holidays so you need to be of good physical fitness and enjoy being in nature and the elements.

Who joins the groups?

Our clients vary from couples, friends and families to independent travellers. We usually recommend holidays that are most suitable for children and those that are more adult-focused. The holidays are suitable if you are travelling alone. The timing and interests of friends and family does not always work out to travel together, so it works well to be part of a group of this nature – a great way to make friends and everyone gets to know one another easily.

What can I do to prepare for the holiday?

Practice snorkelling, if you want to get the hang of it. Regular swimming to develop fitness helps, maybe some dancing or your preferred form of exercise and let yourself enjoy the anticipation!

Do the boats disturb the whales and dolphins?

In cooperation with the local Azorean authorities, a recognised code of conduct and ethics on the water has been established. These regulations ensure the whales and dolphins, people and the environment are respected. The dolphins love the boats and play in the bow waves. We would never endorse anything that disturbed them. There is a wonderful spirit of cooperation and mutual respect out on the water. We keep a specific distance away from the big whales, although the incidence of whales approaching us, with engine off, has been increasing and is very exciting.

What if there are adverse weather conditions that prevent us going out on the ocean?

Safety is our prime concern and, on occasion, boat trips have to be postponed. The Azores is an oceanic climate – we cannot determine the weather. Although the season we choose is the most favourable, adverse sea conditions, caused by winds, may mean a boat trip is unexpectedly postponed. We have made allowances for the weather by advance provision of additional trips, so we can be flexible to fit in with the weather. Even with some bad weather, it is extremely rare to not have all scheduled trips.

I suffer from seasickness – what do you recommend?

Few people on our trips have been affected by seasickness, but if you think you might, please bring your preferred treatment, as we do not supply any medication. There are local pharmacies on the islands.

How about travel to the islands and being met?

We will talk you through all the travel details and recommend flight times. In the case of land transfers we coordinate arrival times and meetings so that our guests can travel together where possible. Our representatives will be there to meet you on arrival and accompany you to your accommodation.

Are there vegetarian dishes available?

In the hotel, good vegetarian food is available. It is not always possible to cater for specific dietary requirements like food allergies, so please discuss these with us when you book. The standard of cuisine is excellent, offering Portuguese and a mixture of other international influences. There are many local fish and meat specialities.

Money

The local lingo is Portuguese, although most people we work with speak excellent English. The currency is in Euros. There are cash machines in town. You can pay by credit card for food at the hotel and for souvenirs at the whale-watch base or hotel, or carry some cash.